
Daily oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings help keep your natural teeth and gums healthy and disease-free. But they're also a priority with dental implants. Here's why.
Unlike other restorations, an implant replaces both a tooth's crown and root, the latter by way of a titanium metal post imbedded into the jawbone. Bone cells grow and adhere to the metal surface, forming a secure and lasting hold.
But although quite durable, this hold differs significantly from natural teeth, which are actually held in place by a tough, elastic tissue called the periodontal ligament. The attachment of the ligament's tiny fibers to both tooth and bone secure the tooth in place, as well as supply it and the surrounding gums with nutrients and defensive antibodies to fight infection.
Implants don't have this relationship with the periodontal ligament. The tissues around an implant are thus susceptible to an aggressive form of periodontal (gum) disease called peri-implantitis. This kind of gum infection can progress rapidly, leading eventually to bone loss and possible failure of the implant.
Daily brushing and flossing of both natural and implant-supported teeth lowers the risk of gum disease, particularly peri-implantitis. It's also imperative that you undergo regular cleanings, at least every six months, with your dentist or dental hygienist.
These, however, won't be the typical cleanings performed on natural teeth. Hygienists don't use metal cleaning implements to remove plaque and tartar deposits because they can scratch the metal materials of the implant and crown. These microscopic scratches can then attract bacteria that trigger gum infections. Instead, they'll use instruments made of plastics or resins.
Hygienists also rely heavily on ultrasonic equipment that vibrates plaque loose on or around implants, which are then flushed away with water. The tips used with these instruments are also typically made of nylon or plastic sheathing.
Even with the extra hygiene care needed, implants still enjoy a 95% or higher survival rate after ten years. You can ensure your implants achieve that level of durability by keeping them clean and seeing your dentist at the first sign of a gum infection.
If you would like more information on maintaining dental implants, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Dental Implant Maintenance.”
Comments:
Find Us
American Dental Professionals
2675 N Mayfair Rd, # 650
Wauwatosa, WI 53226
(414) 257 - 1230
Request Appointment
Our office has flexible hours to fit your busy schedule
Patient Eductation

Archive:
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
- 2013
Tags
- Welcome (1)
- oral health (24)
- celebrity smiles (80)
- oral hygiene (24)
- blood pressure medication (1)
- cosmetic dentistry (14)
- orthodontics (10)
- tads (1)
- crown (1)
- dental injuries (1)
- dental implants (8)
- periodontal plastic surgery (1)
- bonding (2)
- clear aligners (2)
- braces (9)
- dental injury (9)
- mouthguards (5)
- bad breath (3)
- gum surgery (1)
- dental hygiene (1)
- financing (1)
- root canal (1)
- geographic tongue (2)
- bridge (1)
- orthodontic treatment (18)
- adult orthodontics (1)
- osteoporosis (1)
- oral surgery (4)
- headgear (1)
- wisdom teeth (4)
- cosmetic gum surgery (1)
- dental exam (1)
- nutrition (4)
- diabetes (3)
- periodontal (gum) disease (2)
- air abrasion (1)
- pregnancy (3)
- cleft lip (2)
- cleft palate (2)
- sealants (1)
- tooth decay (4)
- chipped teeth (2)
- sensitive teeth (1)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- teeth whitening (2)
- teeth wear (1)
- gum disease (13)
- athletic mouthguards (1)
- dentures (3)
- pediatric care (1)
- infection control (1)
- frenectomy (1)
- root canal treatment (4)
- crowns (5)
- thumb sucking (3)
- porcelain veneers (6)
- removable dentures (1)
- periodontal disease (2)
- dentistry (1)
- seniors (1)
- tooth grinding (1)
- mouth rash (1)
- retainers (3)
- pediatric dentistry (9)
- mouth sores (1)
- teething (2)
- dental emergency (1)
- dental implant bridge (1)
- mouthguard (1)
- teeth grinding (4)
- bruxism (1)
- oral cancer (3)
- tooth pain (3)
- bone grafting (1)
- chipped tooth (5)
- retainer (2)
- dental care (2)
- gum recession (1)
- artificial sweeteners (1)
- laser dentistry (1)
- dental anxiety (1)
- x-rays (2)
- lingual braces (2)
- crown lengthening (1)
- bonded retainer (1)
- gummy smile (1)
- toothache (1)
- extraction (1)
- sedation dentistry (2)
- tooth replacement (1)
- tmj disorders (2)
- jaw pain (1)
- topical fluoride (1)
- vitamins (1)
- dental implant (4)
- vaping (2)
- smile makeover (2)
- dry mouth (1)
- missing teeth (1)
- veneers (1)
- fluoride (1)